The Appleton City Fair Committee would like to thank our community for its continued support and extend our sincere apologies for having to reschedule the second day of the fair.
We also want to be transparent with our community, sponsors, and vendors about the challenges we faced while planning this year's fair. Three weeks before the event, the carnival company we had contracted with unexpectedly canceled. The Committee immediately began contacting other companies in an effort to find a replacement. Just 10 days before the fair, Joe's Old-Fashioned Fun agreed to provide five rides, two bounce houses, a mechanical bull, and a climbing wall.
Unfortunately, a series of unexpected events resulted in the company arriving later than scheduled and falling behind on setup. The bounce houses were never inflated, and only two rides and the mechanical bull were operational. This was not the experience we intended to provide for our community, and we sincerely apologize for the disappointment.
On Saturday morning, after making the difficult decision to cancel the second day of the fair because of weather concerns, the Committee met with the owner of Joe's Old-Fashioned Fun to discuss the issues and the company's failure to meet its contractual obligations. The owner returned the Committee's pre-sale ticket funds, which were then used to refund anyone who returned unused pre-sale tickets at the original purchase price.
To make up for the canceled activities, the Appleton City Fair Committee is hosting a Free Family Fun Day on August 22, 2026. Children will be able to enjoy inflatable attractions provided by K & S Inflatables of Humansville, Missouri, pony rides provided by the Bates County Posse, and a K-9 demonstration by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office—all at no cost.
Many of the activities that were canceled during the fair will also take place that day, including the Senior Royalty crowning, Baby Show, Toddler Swimsuit Contest, kids' games, Fair Bake-Off and Bake Auction, music by Sparrowfoot and the Truman Lake Dulcimers.
Food vendors and craft vendors who were scheduled for the original Saturday fair will also be returning, if available, giving families another opportunity to enjoy the event together. Please note that while the children's activities are free, purchases from food and craft vendors will require payment.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Our goal is to provide a fun, family-friendly event before school begins and to thank our community for its continued support. A complete schedule of events for Free Family Fun Day will be posted soon.
Thank you again for your understanding and continued support.
Kindest Regards,
The Appleton City Fair Committee
#MidAmericaLive
